Echo Winnona Kunz Rigby, age 88, passed away on January 7, 2018 in her home after a long battle with Chronic Lymphatic Leukemia. Echo was born on July 7, 1929 in Montpelier, Idaho to Reuel Victor Kunz and Irene Humphreys. She met her sweetheart, Lon Rigby in Rexburg Idaho while attending Ricks College. They were married April 4th, 1951, in the Church of Latter Day Saints Idaho Falls Temple.
She received a bachelor’s degree in teaching from Brigham Young University. Echo was active with the LDS church and served on the stake M.I.A. Board, was Sunday School Coordinator and teacher in the Relief Society as well as Ward Librarian. She was a teacher for the Pasco School District and taught for 22 years in Kindergarten and Second Grade.
Echo was a devout member of The Church of Latter Day Saints. She and her husband Lon went on a Family History Mission at Ricks College. While they were there, they wrote “A History of William F. Rigby, The True Aim of a Noble Man.” On other missions together, they taught the gospel and assisted many families. On one of these missions they became close to a number of Cambodian families. The bond became so great with one small family in particular that they adopted them. Sovann Phim became their adopted daughter and her son Sophorn became their grandson.
Echo devoted her life to her faith, marriage and family. The love she had for her husband was like that of Ruth. Where he went, she went. (Ruth 1:16). His people were her people and his God was her God. She was soft but strong and respected him greatly. She wouldn’t dare raise her voice to get a point across and he wouldn’t make a decision without consulting her either. Through prayer, they decided on everything in life together. Their love never wavered and they were married over 60 years. They were a testament of love and caring for others, all while pursuing education, dreams and goals, TOGETHER.
With her children and grandchildren, she loved hard and unconditionally and never spoke an ill word of anyone. She was selfless and when she said I love you, she said it with tenderness and conviction. Her loving ways will have a lasting impact on anyone that was lucky enough to be loved by her.
She was predeceased by her loving husband, Lon W. Rigby; her parents; and siblings Warren, Tom, Ila Noble (Herbert) and Grace, as well as her beloved son, Clinton Lon Rigby.
Echo is survived by her brother; Harvey (Laree), Bruce (Marian); children and grandchildren: Her daughters, Rulene Henderson (Herb) and Sovann Phim; her son Tony Lynn Rigby (Pam), and daughter-in-law (Nadean). She is also survived by the grandchildren that adored her; Kye, Dave (Carla), Cary, Betsy (Jay), Jesse, Aimee (Troy), Brett (Krystal), Michelle (Joseph), Nathan (Raina), Matthew (Rebecca), Ryan, Jeremiah (Tawna), Sophorn; 43 great-grandchildren and 17 great-great grandchildren.
Flower donations can be delivered to Mueller’s Chapel of the Falls at 314 West First Avenue in Kennewick.
Services will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Hansen Park, 8120 W 4th Ave in Kennewick, WA at 11:00 am on Friday, January 19th, with a viewing at 10:00 am.
The family will receive visitors at Mueller’s Chapel of the Falls on Thursday January 18th from 5:00 to 7:00 pm, located at 314 West First Avenue in Kennewick.